In the wake of the tragic events surrounding the death of Annabel Catt, we are reminded of the ever present dangers surrounding recreational drug use. Although tragic, these events are a timely reminder of the importance in implementing and promoting as many harm reduction techniques, in regards to illicit drug use, as possible.
It is believed Ms Catt ingested Para-methoxy-amphetamine (PMA) in the mistaken belief that it was 'Ecstasy', which is the often incorrect vernacular term for 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). PMA is a strong psychedelic stimulant with much smaller dosage rates than that of MDMA. The ingestion of PMA can lead to muscle spasms, increased blood temperature, increased blood pressure, increased body temperature, increased pulse rate and laboured breathing. If left untreated the consumption of PMA can ultimately lead to hyperthermia, convulsions, coma and death. Although some of these reactions can also be attributed to the consumption of MDMA, any reaction out of the ordinary should be addressed immediately by a trained medical practitioner.
There are some simple steps that can be taken to minimise the risks associated with the consumption of 'Ecstasy'. Obviously the easiest way to minimise the chances of consuming PMA would be total abstinence from 'Ecstasy' itself. As this is often not an option for a lot of people, the use of a reagent tester will return a result for PMA. The result seen with a variety of reagent testers are detailed below;
- Mandelin - reagent will produce a change from green through to red or reddish brown.
- Marquis - reagent will produce some effervescence but no colour change.
- Mecke - reagent will produce a lime/green colour.
If any of the reactions listed above occur, it may indicate that the substance tested contains PMA and could be potentially fatal. It should be noted, however, that if PMA is mixed with another substance that also reacts with the reagent, the reactions listed above may be obscured by a darker reaction, like that seen with MDMA. Reagent testers are available online at
http://www.enlighten.org.au/,
http://www.ez-test.com.au/ or can usually be found at tobacconists, head shops and some music stores.
Another simple measure in harm reduction is keeping an eye on your friends. If they start to display or complain about any of the aforementioned effects, it is 'better to be safe than sorry' and seek immediate medical attention. Please don't risk a life with a 'she'll be right' attitude in the hope that it will go away or through a misguided worry that you will get in trouble. Medical practitioners have no professional obligation to pass information about drug use on to the police and will only notify police if you are a danger to yourself or others. Please don't be selfish when making a decision about seeking medical attention, as your life or the life of your friend is worth more than a good night out.
We ask that you disseminate this e-mail as widely as possible to your fellow Bluelighters, non-Bluelighters and even non drug users as most people know someone who partakes in the use of 'Ecstasy'. Please don't disregard and delete this e-mail, as the life you save could be someone close to you. Send it on to all the people on your contact list as you could be saving their life by doing so.
This e-mail is being sent out by members of the harm reduction website Bluelight. It is being sent to provide as many individuals with information about PMA as possible, in response to concerns there may be a batch of 'Ecstasy' that contains this substance. It is the hope of the authors that further deaths and sickness can be avoided. The Bluelight website can be accessed by visiting
http://www.bluelight.ru/ but is currently down due to server issues and is expected to return to normal operation shortly.
Kind regards,
Australian Drug Discussion Moderators
Bluelight
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this e-mail are those of the authors alone. They do not represent the views or opinions of Bluelight.ru or its staff, nor do they represent the views or opinions of any entity of, or affiliated with, the Bluelight network.
, be careful, party safe people.
